Cape Honeysuckle-Yellow

Cape Honeysuckle Yellow, a variant of Tecomaria capensis known as 'Aurea', is celebrated for its vibrant yellow flowers, which contrast beautifully against its glossy green foliage. Similar to its more commonly known red-flowered counterpart, this variety is a versatile and fast-growing plant that can be cultivated either as an evergreen shrub or trained to climb as a vine. Native to South Africa, Cape Honeysuckle is adaptable to a variety of garden settings, offering year-round interest in warmer climates.

As a shrub, Cape Honeysuckle Yellow typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet and spreads approximately 5 to 6 feet. When supported, it can climb and cover structures such as trellises, fences, and walls, providing a lush, tropical appearance. The plant's tubular yellow flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year in warmer climates, peaking in late fall to winter. These blossoms are not only visually striking but also attract a host of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to the garden's biodiversity.

Adapted to full sun to partial shade, Cape Honeysuckle Yellow thrives in well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens. It prefers regular watering but can tolerate periods of dryness. Pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage denser growth and more prolific flowering.

In landscaping, Cape Honeysuckle Yellow is often used for its ornamental appeal and versatility. It can serve as a vibrant hedge, an attractive ground cover, or a decorative vine for covering unsightly structures. Its bright yellow flowers provide a striking color accent in mixed borders, tropical-themed gardens, and coastal landscapes.

Overall, Cape Honeysuckle Yellow is a low-maintenance, attractive plant that adds color, texture, and ecological value to the landscape. Its adaptability to various growing conditions and long blooming season make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create impactful and sustainable garden displays.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Cape Honeysuckle - Red & Yellow

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Cape Honeysuckle is a semi-evergreen shrub that can be used as a vine or trained to grow upright, requiring support like a trellis or fence for vertical growth

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Cape Honeysuckle is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 emitters per plant for even water distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure hydration. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks